Who We Are

At Third Space Studio, we ask provocative questions and actively listen to the answers—and we create a thoughtful space to ensure that everyone can contribute equitably to the conversation.

Using innovative and resourceful strategies, we guide teams into deep thinking and encourage and support your bold decision-making. Whether you need a guide as you navigate a new strategic plan or make a culture shift, a coach to hone your leadership skills, or a capacity-building boost, we are here to help you move forward.

Third Space Studio’s lead consultants, Meredith Emmett and Heather Yandow are an inter-generational team with more than 45 years of combined experience as nonprofit capacity builders, facilitators, trainers, and coaches. 

The Team

  • Heather Yandow

    Heather Yandow is a collaborative co-conspirator and creative thinker with over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit world.

    Inspired by issues that touch her heart and organizations invested in relationships, Heather gets joy out of helping groups move forward from chaos to clarity. Phrases like “adaptive leadership” and “change management” are sure to get her mind churning.

    Before Heather joined Third Space in 2010, she was the Director of Development and Communications with the NC Conservation Network, a statewide network of over 100 organizations focused on protecting North Carolina's environment and public health.

    With a personal motto of “just do it,” Heather identifies problems and dreams up actionable solutions. This talent has led to many projects: Heather is the founder of Nonprofit.ist, an online resource that helps pair nonprofits with the right consultants; a co-founder of Beehive Collective, a Raleigh-based giving circle; and the creator of Third Space Studio’s Individual Fundraising Benchmark Report.

    In her rare downtime, Heather gets outside to walk her dog, take a swim, or just enjoy lunch with friends around her hometown of Raleigh, NC.

    Contact Heather at heather@thirdspacestudio.com or 919.780.4117.

  • Meredith Emmett

    When she was ten years old, Meredith Emmett wanted to be a marine biologist, a bicycle mechanic, or the president. Instead, she became a nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience. Her curiosity, willingness to tinker, and driven vision never went away.

    As the founder of Third Space Studio, Meredith uses her thirty-plus years of experience as a nonprofit leader to help our clients grapple with challenges and amplify successes.

    Meredith deeply believes that we cannot tackle the complex challenges of today using yesterday’s practices. She gets excited about working with groups willing to explore transformational system change and creative approaches. From facilitating large cross-sector gatherings to working one-on-one as a coach and thought partner for executive directors, Meredith builds environments that encourage everyone to step into their power and take collaborative action.

    Prior to founding Third Space Studio in 2001, Meredith served as executive director of three North Carolina-based nonprofits: the Institute for Southern Studies, NC Community Shares, and Public Allies of NC. Meredith has served on numerous local, state, and national nonprofit boards. She currently sits on the board of Democracy NC.

    When she is not facilitating unusual connections and insightful conversations, Meredith can be found puttering in her garden or painting in her studio at her home in Durham, NC.

    Contact Meredith at meredith@thirdspacestudio.com or 919.641.1614.